Three homeless after fire in Washburn

WASHBURN, Maine — The state fire marshal’s office has visited the site of a blaze that left three people homeless in Washburn on Saturday.

Washburn Fire Chief Troy Heald said Monday that the fire was reported to the department just after 10 a.m. as a shed fire. When firefighters went to 1348 Main St., which was the home of the Antioch family, they found a detached two-bay garage and a shed fully ablaze.

Heald said that fire departments from Caribou and Mapleton were called in to assist his firefighters, because the blaze was rapidly advancing toward the house.

Despite their efforts, the home was a total loss. The property was insured, but the male, female and child living there were displaced.

The Washburn Police Department and Crown Ambulance assisted at the scene. No injuries were reported.

The American Red Cross is working to assist the three people who lived at the residence.

The chief said that the investigation is ongoing but the cause of the fire is undetermined at this point. Units from the Maine Warden Service and the fire marshal’s office have been to the site, but no citations are pending, according to Heald.

Anyone wishing to offer assistance is encouraged to contact the American Red Cross in Caribou.